This was the second time that my hiking and HP buddy, Mike, and I have visited Sassafras (first time was in 1994?). With the increase of technology (digital cameras, etc.), we basically decided to redo and document the 18 HP's we had already completed along the east coast. The disposable camera/photos just didn't cut it. Still no summit marker, sign, or anything to designate the actual highpoint, what a shame! There used to be a firetower on top of Sassafras, but even that was gone when we had visited back then. Since we had our GPSr's with us, we were able to locate the general area of the HP. You would think with Sassafras being so accessible, SC would eventually fall into synch with their surrounding neighbors (GA, NC and TN), all of whom have nice landmarks for their similarly accessible HP's. In contrast to the lack of view from the summit area, there is a spur trail leading from the parking lot to a nice view of surrounding mountains.

Climbed up in fading light. You can't tell your at the highpoint as there is nothing really to indicate such unless you spot usgs. Took foothills trail and worried about bears but didn't see one until 2 minutes after getting back in car. HP #18

I can't remember which order I've done them in now. Ha! Did Mississippi, Georgia, then this one, I think, then N. Carolina, then Tennessee. All preceeded by Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Third of a 6 state HP weekend. Flew into Knoxville, then hit the HPs for TN, GA, SC, NC, KY and VA. This is my 42nd state HP and one of my least favorites.

The lack of any sign or marker led me to take out my GPS to make sure I was in the right place. Some small token sign or plaque to honor the state HP would be nice. The place could really use a makeover. There is literally nothing there but weeds, liter and an old campfire ring. (I did eventually find a USGS marker.) The only sign near the summit marks the Chimney Rock trailhead. It states nothing about being the highest point in SC.

Be sure to check out the "overlook" at the end of the parking lot. It's the only thing worth seeing.

Tax day for a lot of people, but I took the day to climb the highest peak in the state. Took the foothills trail from 178. It was hard to find, but for the others trying to find it. The trailhead is just across the bridge from where Laurel Valley Rd. intersects 178. 9 miles total. Not bad for a fat man.

Headed up the deaf school road at 10:30 pm. Parked at the dirt parking lot and hiked up the rest in the complete darkness. All clouds were gone and the stars were brilliant. Found the little USGS stump, snapped a pic and headed to Clemson.

One of the least desirable state high points. No view on the top, no special marker to denote the summit, some trash on the ground and a quadrillion mosquitoes to keep me company. Some nice views on the way in though.

I hiked the Foothills Trail from the Chimneytop Gap trailhead with one of my dogs while my father drove to the top with my other dog to meet us. I could see the surrounding mountains through the leafless trees on the way up, but it was too foggy at the top to see anything. HP19

"Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks. Great success shooting the knife into the piano. The woodworms are so bad and eat hell out of all furniture that you can always claim the woodworms did it."
--Ernest Hemingway